Sisters, Oregon
Nestled at the foot of the Cascades, Sisters is a town right out of the Old West, complete with 1880's turn-of-the-century 
storefronts and authentic annual down-and-dirty rodeos. Perhaps one of the most picturesque backdrops in the Pacific Northwest, it is not hard to see why the town has become a destination for visitors, retirees and new businesses. But more than just a pretty place, Sisters has a built reputation for a community with some of the state’s best schools, students and athletes. The town’s focus in the past has been on tourism and retail, but with two new industrial parks, both offering an assortment of lot sizes to house any size production facility, the prospect of a light manufacturing or high tech business is a reality.
Population
The political borders that form the incorporated city of Sisters currently contain just over 1,800 residents; however, within a five mile radius, an additional 10,000 residents live in the outlying neighborhoods, acreages, and resorts. From 1985 to 2005, the town added less than 300 residents, the result of a lack of municipal sewer system. Since then, charming and innovative residential communities have been created within the city limits, more than doubling the town’s population.
Development
Sisters offers a variety of development opportunities including manufacturing, office and light industrial uses. Two business/industrial parks and numerous commercial centers offer new and existing businesses a place to call home.
Sisters has several employers that offer excellent job opportunities. Metabolic Maintenance Products, relocated from southern California, is a local manufacturer of vitamin supplements, including 
prescription amino acid dietary supplements for physicians across the country. The O’Keeffe’s Company, a locally grown manufacturing company, is expanding its employment as sales for its specialty hand and foot care creams catch on nationally. Bird Gard LLC, designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of programmable bird control products. Fluid Images, Inc., inventors of the Strada Camera Crane used in many feature film and sports productions, is also a top-notch film and video production company. With its outstanding desirability as a place to live and work, Sisters expects to attract additional employers in the light manufacturing and technology sectors.
Just 30 minutes from Sisters on Hwy 20 is Hoodoo Ski Resort, offering something to do for everyone including Nordic and downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snow biking, and night skiing in a friendly family-oriented environment. The new FivePine Lodge & Conference Center adds a host of new activities and amenities for visitors and residents alike, including a movie theater, athletic club, brewery, day spa, lodge, first class dining, and conference center.
Livability
If you've ever had the chance to visit Sisters for shopping or a special event, the town and surrounding area’s extraordinary livability speaks for itself. Towering Ponderosa Pines, grassy valleys, and the closeness of Cascade Mountain peaks makes it an aesthetically surreal location. But more importantly, Sisters has a strong sense of community, friendliness, and true small town 
charm.
This feeling is easily seen in the Sister’s area schools, which consistently rank top in the region and state for academics, the arts and athletics. The district takes a holistic approach, starting with Kindergarten, and incorporates character education into curriculum. Residents of the community are also actively involved in education. Some 200 volunteers contribute to the elementary schools each year from tutoring to taking care of the playground.
Sisters is also known for its festivals. Annual events include: Village Green Craft Shows (now in 25th year), Art Stroll, Sisters Rodeo, Sisters Folk Festival, High Mountains Jazz at Sisters, Harvest Faire, Quilt Show, Hoodoo Winter Carnival, Sisters Starry Night Concert Series, Sisters Roundup of Gems, Sisters Antique Faire, Battle of the Bulls, and the Pacific Amateur Golf Classic.
History
The original settlement of the Sisters area actually began 4.5 miles north of the current town site, at Camp Polk in 1865. Polk was a military installment built for the protection of settlers, but with few Indian attacks, the base was closed a year after opening. In 1875 a post office was established at the Hindman Homestead, which was later moved to the John Smith General Store in 1888. Soon thereafter nearby residents were asked to provide suggestions to name the new post office, and “Three Sisters” received the nod, minus the three. (It is interesting to note that at this time the Three Sisters each had names – Faith, Hope, and Charity.) In what is considered the town’s official establishment, Alex and Robert Smith platted the town in 1901. By this time the community had grown into a service center for travelers over the Cascades as well as for the growing wood products and agricultural industries.
In 1923 half the town was destroyed by fire, only to see the remaining half burned to the ground the following year. Expected by many to become a ghost town, residents instead stayed and rebuilt, and the town was officially incorporated in 1946. In the mid 1960’s, the town's existence was in question with the closure of the last lumber mill. Sisters’ Old West theme returned in 1972 in an effort to preserve what little commerce remained amidst fear of a highway bypass. The highway never moved, and the town evolved into a retail/resort community and service center to Black Butte Ranch Resort and other residential developments.